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November 2013

November 3

Charitable bequests

November 3, 2013

A charitable bequest is, in its simplest form, a gift made to a charity after the death of an individual from their estate.

Understanding probate

November 3, 2013

Anyone in Ontario engaged in estate planning or administration should consider the necessity of “probate.” This requires a clear understanding of what probate actually is and entails, its advantages and disadvantages, to help guide whether probate should be sought — or avoided.

November 4

Women religious ask pope for world day of prayer against trafficking

November 4, 2013

VATICAN CITY - After Pope Francis entrusted two Vatican academies to study the problem of human trafficking, a group of women religious asked the pope to raise greater awareness in the church about the issue by establishing a worldwide day of prayer and fasting.

November 5

Catholic governance course has its first graduates

November 5, 2013

TORONTO - Graduation time has come for the first crop of the Certificate in Catholic School Governance continuing education course offered to Ontario's Catholic school trustees.

Vatican embassy in Syria hit, damaged by mortar strike

November 5, 2013

VATICAN CITY - A mortar round hit the apostolic nunciature in the Syrian capital, causing limited damage to the building and no casualties because of the early hour of the strike, said the Vatican ambassador to Syria.

Consultation sought on family issues

November 5, 2013

The Vatican is seeking worldwide input on such issues as marriage, same-sex marriage, contraception, divorce and family life in a wide-ranging questionnaire distributed to bishops.

November 6

Steubenville Toronto lineup to attract youth

November 6, 2013

TORONTO - Steubenville Toronto has announced the lineup and ministry team for the first youth conference of its kind to be held in Canada’s largest city.

November 7

Electric electronic communication

November 7, 2013

Recently I received an e-mail from a person who died many months ago.

Francis’ words speak for themselves

November 7, 2013

Many of us, I suspect, have heard snippets of an interview that Pope Francis did for a series of Jesuit publications, including America, where, among other things, he suggested that we might be wise to not always emphasize the moral issues around abortion, gay marriage and contraception in our conversations. That’s, of course, the phrase that most caught the attention of the media, but the whole interview is remarkable for its candor and includes a whole range of thoughts that help give us a sense of how Francis intends to colour his papacy. Here are a few of his thoughts, in his own words:

Keep your mind, heart always in good order

November 7, 2013

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) Nov. 17 (Malachi 4:1-2; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19) The world is not always noted for its justice or life for its fairness. Often it appears that the righteous suffer or lose out while the wicked thrive and get ahead. Hopelessness, frustration and disillusionment can make even compassionate and non-judgmental individuals at times console themselves with thoughts of cosmic justice and retribution. It would be nice to see the nasty and wicked of our world get their comeuppance. Of course there is always the assumption that we are not on that list!

Giving back

November 7, 2013

Governor General David Johnston should be commended for a new initiative that is Catholic in everything but name. Launched by Johnston on Nov. 4, My Giving Moment is a national campaign to encourage Canadians to improve society by volunteering time, giving money and providing expertise to charitable and other community causes. Johnston calls this philanthropy, the Church calls it stewardship — the obligation to give our time, talent and treasure as part of our Christian call to live with joy, compassion and generosity.

Catholic singles: the forgotten among the faithful

November 7, 2013

It is time once again to acknowledge the existence of an overlooked group of people in our parishes: the perpetually single and childless.

The Church’s future steeped in its past

November 7, 2013

When Pope Benedict reigned, my publisher — Random House — asked me if I could write a very quick biography of Cardinal Marc Oullet if the Holy Spirit went all Canadian and gave us a homegrown Pope. I agreed of course, but part of me was dreading the speed at which I would have had to proceed. It didn’t happen of course, and while the cardinal would have made a splendid Holy Father, I would not have made a splendid biographer. Right, said Random House, instead we want a book about how the Church will change or not change, how Pope Francis will shape things. This was firmer ground. And it’s just been published as The Future of Catholicism (Signal Books).

The gift of the Lateran Basilica

November 7, 2013

Nov. 9 is a rather obscure feast on the liturgical calendar — the feast of the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Obscure, but most important. A year when we are praying for a new Pope is a good occasion to revisit its significance.

Riled up atheists show Francis is on to something

November 7, 2013

Three atheists got me thinking about Pope Francis the other day.

NDP MPs seek national palliative care initiative

November 7, 2013

OTTAWA - Two New Democratic Party MPs have launched initiatives to address the gaps in access to good palliative, long-term and home care to meet the needs of Canadians.

Pro-lifer still feeling effects of attack

November 7, 2013

TORONTO - One month after being attacked while taking part in a Life Chain vigil in Toronto, Faye Arellano is still thanking God she escaped with relatively minor injuries.

Tories firm in opposition to euthanasia, gendercide

November 7, 2013

OTTAWA - The rank-and-file of the Conservative Party has stood up for life, passing several resolutions against gendercide, euthanasia and legalized prostitution.

40 Days for Life vigil keeps at least one heart beating

November 7, 2013

TORONTO - A letter addressed “to the sign people” is affirmation of the meaningful work by volunteers during the fall 40 Days for Life campaign.

November 8

Youth yearn for different religious education

November 8, 2013

This summer, the world saw a multitude of young people descend upon Copacabana Beach in Brazil to stand in solidarity as Catholics. They br aved the harsh weather of the Brazilian coast to partake in the Eucharist as one body, and for the chance to hear a message from the Pope himself. It was a very moving image, and it would seem that from this sight alone, the Church truly does hold a powerful connection with today’s youth.